Neethlingshof debuts flagship red 'TORS' with Absa Cape Blend Top 6 Win
Neethlingshof Estate has introduced its flagship red, TORS, marking its debut with a win at the Absa Cape Blend Top 6 Awards for its maiden 2024 vintage. Crafted as the estate’s pinnacle expression, TORS was developed for fine wine collectors seeking a micro-vinified Stellenbosch blend shaped by site specificity and low-intervention winemaking.
· 2 min read
Born from ancient granite slopes
Framed by the iconic stone pine avenue leading to its historic 1692 cellar, Neethlingshof’s upper vineyards sit exposed on elevated slopes between the Bottelary Hills and Papegaaiberg. Towering high above the historic estate lie the granite tors, monuments of natural strength and time-hewn elegance that give the wine its name. Maritime breezes off False Bay lengthen the ripening season, allowing Pinotage and classic Bordeaux cultivars to achieve phenolic maturity while retaining natural acidity. Rooted in ancient, time-hewn decomposed granite, low-yielding vines yield grapes defined by concentrated flavour, firm tannins and mineral tension.
High above the historic estate lie the granite tors, monuments of natural strength and time-hewn elegance that give the wine its name. Grown on these granite-rich slopes, TORS embodies that same power and refinement, marrying the bright fruit profile and nuance of Pinotage with the noble structure of classic varieties.
Guided by winemaker Danielle Le Roux, the maiden 2024 vintage was micro-vinified and matured for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels, resulting in a precise blend of 45% Pinotage, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, and 3% Malbec.
Crafted under the vision of Danielle Coetsee
Guiding this pinnacle creation is winemaker Danielle Coetsee, who took the winemaking reins at Neethlingshof in June 2026. Crowned Woman Winemaker of the Year at the 2020 SA Women's Wine & Spirit Awards, Danielle holds dual qualifications in Cellar Technology and Marketing & Management Science. Her meticulous attention to detail and low-intervention approach in the cellar allow the pure expression of the site to shine through in every bottle.
Rooted in sustainability
The journey of TORS begins in the vineyard under the guidance of viticulturist Hannes van Zyl. Embracing Neethlingshof’s commitment as a certified WWF Conservation Champion, Hannes employs regenerative and eco-conscious viticultural practices across the estate's high-altitude granite slopes. By prioritising living soil vitality, natural pest management, and native biodiversity, he ensures that every vine produces fruit capturing the true, uncompromised essence of the terroir.
Pre-order your TORS
This wine will be available via allocation early next year. Readers can secure their pre-orders by emailing [email protected].
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